‘Misery’ @ Theatre Too
—Rickey Wax
Misery certainly loves company as Theatre Too takes a stab at the cult classic novel by Stephen King. The novel Misery was written by the king of horror in 1987 and later adapted into both a screenplay and a stage script by William Goldman.
The story takes place in a Colorado farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. Famed romance novelist Paul Sheldon (Cameron Cobb) wakes up in a strange bed, wearing an arm sling and leg braces. He is immediately thrown into panic as he looks around the unfamiliar room—trying to remember the sequence of events that led him there.
Annie Wilkes (Tina Parker), a former nurse, explains to Paul that she rescued him after he drove his vehicle off the road in a snowstorm. Paul is grateful, but requests that Annie contact the hospital so he can be cared for and get back to his life in New York. To his dismay, the roads are closed and the phone lines are down. Annie assures Paul that he has nothing to worry about; she is his “number one fan.” Flattered, Paul entrusts his well-being to Annie.
Things take a turn after Annie reads Paul’s latest manuscript and takes issue with the dark subject matter. Paul notices that Annie exhibits almost catatonic behavior when she’s upset. He is having second thoughts about his number one fan. Paul begins to map out an exit strategy, but there’s a major problem: he is nearly helpless, bed-bound until his legs are healed—and right now, Annie is his only link to the outside world.
It can be difficult to take on a familiar story: you’re asking the audience to re-invest in something they’ve already seen. Under the direction of Christie Vela, Theatre Too’s Misery is masterfully stripped down and staged in an intimate basement theater space.
Most horror movies rely on special effects and shrieking music to create jump/scare moments, but Vela brilliantly opts for the complete opposite. The silent walk down to the basement theater already had many audience members on edge. Our cell-phone signals went out, and the atmosphere was extremely quiet, as if a vacuum had sucked the air from the room. The “nothingness” felt ominous.
The set (designed by Track Curtis) is minimalist: a bed with a cross above it, a writing desk, a chair, a bucket—Annie’s place, simple and homey. I was impressed by the team’s ability to work within this very compact space. The lighting by Aaron Johansen relies heavily on blue and magenta hues, perfect choices for enhancing tension and illuminating Annie’s cold nature. Music is a great element in this production as well, with familiar tunes including “Clair de Lune” and “Moon River”—romanticizing the dark and twisted love story Annie creates in her head with our romance novelist.
Parker does an impeccable job of creating her particular version of Annie Wilkes, who initially seems sunny and loveable—with a sparkle in her eyes and an airy voice as she discusses her favorite fictional heroine, Paul’s character Misery Chastain. It’s not long before tension begins to build. Parker keeps her vocal tone level for the most part, letting Annie’s frustration show by raising the pitch; we begin to hear and see the small cracks in the mask that hides a more sinister Annie. Parker’s use of subtext, with her stoic glares and jittery mannerisms, is something only a well-seasoned actor can pull off.
Cobb’s version of Paul Sheldon is resigned and distinguished; he does a marvelous job. He embodies all the charisma of a popular romance author, but keeps the stakes high, making us feel as if he’s truly in desperate danger and might be maimed or killed at any moment. It’s a nice balance of confidence and fear.
And there’s a third character, an aloof small-town sheriff who secretly knows something is peculiar about Annie. Well played by LaQuintence Canady II, his calm, still demeanor was a joy to watch, playing out in contrast to Annie’s high-strung manner.
I enjoyed how the two lead actors shared the stage, shifting the power dynamics seamlessly between their characters. The constant tug-o-war between Annie and Paul is what makes Misery work.
It’s refreshing to have a bit of Halloween in May, instead of having to wait for October. Misery will keep you on edge and run some chills up your spine. But don’t worry, Annie will take care of you.
WHEN: May 2- June 2, 2024
WHERE: Theatre Too (@ T3, downstairs) 2688 Laclede Street, Dallas
WEB: www.theatre3dallas.com
